Selling points.

Brushing Up

Minor Paint Touchups Would Help Home Stand Out

Standing in front of the gray cedar and brick house where Ralph Froid and his wife, Jeanne, live, one would hardly suspect that there is a large spring-fed lake behind it.

In 1974, the Froids purchased this four-bedroom, three-bath home in Deerfield. They have enjoyed the fishing, paddle boating and lovely natural setting that their house, which boasts 190 feet of frontage on the lake, has provided them.

Now, however, they are planning a permanent move to the sunnier clime of Florida where they already own a condominium.

With the lake literally in their back yard, the Froids already have an attraction that many people would find hard to resist. However, they wanted additional pointers on getting their home ready for sale, so Selling Points turned for advice to Mary Abreu, a Realtor with Koenig & Strey in Deerfield.

The neighborhood around the lake, which is known as Lake Eleanor, is "a very desirable area in Deerfield. The views are beautiful," Abreu said.

The home's exterior was last painted about three years ago. Although it is mostly in superior condition, there are some small areas that need the attention of a painter, Abreu said.

"Those should be touched up," said Abreu, pointing to a nick on the garage and one near the home's front door.

Abreu also recommended that a painter repaint a black wrought-iron fence enclosing a large balcony that overlooks the lake. The fence, she noted, shows small spots of rust.

The balcony and patio below it on this two-story house also should be swept before each showing and any light moss on concrete or wood should be cleaned off.

Because the Froids are planning to sell the home on their own, Abreu also had some suggestions for advertising and showing the home.

Any written descriptions should make note of the lake.

"That helps the buyer," she said. "They either want to be on the lake or they don't. There won't be any surprises."

Also, Abreu recommended that the Froids have potential buyers sign in if they have an open house.

"Everyone who comes in, signs in, " Abreu said. "That way if there are any changes, like a reduction in price, you can let them know."

On the home's interior, Abreu had high praise for the updates the Froids have made to their kitchen, including a skylight that brightens their breakfast nook, new white flooring and refinished cabinets.

She suggested that the Froids consider replacing the hardware on the cabinets, which she estimated would cost about $200.

"It would further update their look. It's good, expensive cabinetry, you wouldn't want to get rid of it," she said.

The sun that shines through a nearly wall-to-wall window in the living room can be very bright. The Froids have tinted the window and also have shades on it.

When the home is being shown, however, lighter and brighter is better, so Abreu advised that every shade be opened when brokers or potential buyers visit.

Also in the living room, the Froids have added a neutral, off-white carpeting, which Abreu liked. The house, according to Ralph, has hardwood floors throughout. In the bedrooms, however, older carpeting is still on the floor, including a yellow shag that Abreu said looked dated.

To see what the floors would look like underneath the shag, Ralph said all one needs to do is open the closet floor to see that the hardwood is in great condition. Still, Abreu said she would advise the Froids to remove the carpeting.

"I'd take the carpet up. I wouldn't refinish (the floor) because it looks like it would be in good condition, but it would show the buyer that there is a good base," Abreu said.

In the home's basement, there is a large family room, a full kitchen and a bar.

"This would be a good home for entertaining," Abreu said.

In one area of the basement, the Froids have started collecting the old furniture, holiday decorations and things they plan to give away when they move.

In anticipation of a move, Abreu said it is a good idea to begin deciding what you are going to keep and what you are going to get rid of. She suggested that sellers collect those items in one area, rather than have them scattered throughout the house.

To anyone who tours the home before this task is done, Abreu advised, "Explain to them that you're getting ready to donate these things."